Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency is a type of digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security. It operates on decentralized technology, typically based on blockchain, which is a distributed ledger enforced by a network of computers (nodes). Cryptocurrencies are designed to work as a medium of exchange, allowing for digital transactions without the need for intermediaries like banks. They offer features such as anonymity, security, and resistance to inflation, as many cryptocurrencies have a capped supply. Bitcoin, launched in 2009, was the first cryptocurrency and remains the most well-known, but there are thousands of other cryptocurrencies, each with unique features and purposes. Cryptocurrencies can be traded on various exchanges and can also serve as investments.